SAVE was founded by Ms. Les Wright and a collaborative group of community leaders that desired to create an organization in central Ohio to focus on the issue of violence. SAVE's first program targeted parents, teaching them how to develop their children’s critical thinking skills concerning the media. In 1997, SAVE began a program to honor youth peacemakers in central Ohio called the SAVE Awards Youth Peacemakers Training Program. The Media Violence Education Project, launched in 1999, provides workshops for youth to develop their media literacy skills. In 2000, the SAVE Students Network began, SAVE’s first school based program.
Ms. Les Wright, Founder
Core Values of SAVE
The Core Values of SAVE represent our core priorities and what drives those priorities. Our values drive the intent and direction of the organization and take into consideration employees, volunteers, program participants, funding sources and the community.
Violence is preventable
Youth are powerful.
Diversity is essential
Violence affects everyone.
Efforts need to be celebrated and achievements recognized.
Retaining a quality and cohesive staff is essential
Open, honest, respectful communication is necessary
Youth are our focus and priority; programs must remain relevant to them
Quality programming is strategically planned, effectively implemented, thoroughly evaluated and consistently enhanced
Promises are to be kept and results delivered; we are accountable to the community we serve
Volunteers' time and expertise are fundamental to SAVE's longevity and growth
Positive change occurs through relationships with youth and relationships take effort and time to build
High and achievable expectations are key to growth and lasting social change
What Makes SAVE Unique & Effective
Teaches children how to be advocates for peace
Teaches and practices essential life skills
Teaches critical thinking
Our school-based program places coordinators in the school daily
The children in our programs are volunteers
Teaches resiliency
We are there for the children in the long term.
Our programs have been consistently implemented for 14, 13 and 8 years
We recognize and celebrate kids who are being peacemakers
We teach children through a variety of activities that are interactive, engaging and fun
About SAVE
SAVE was founded by Ms. Les Wright and a collaborative group of community leaders that desired to create an organization in central Ohio to focus on the issue of violence. SAVE's first program targeted parents, teaching them how to develop their children’s critical thinking skills concerning the media. In 1997, SAVE began a program to honor youth peacemakers in central Ohio called the SAVE Awards Youth Peacemakers Training Program. The Media Violence Education Project, launched in 1999, provides workshops for youth to develop their media literacy skills. In 2000, the SAVE Students Network began, SAVE’s first school based program.
